Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Hurt that my 35-year best friend has chosen my other best friend as her maid of honour. Devastated 😪

153 replies

Nixnoks · 30/01/2017 15:05

Hi ladies, I'm looking for some advice in a situation I never through I'd be in.

I'll try and keep it as short and to the point as possible - not easy though!

My bestie and I have been best friends for 35 years, since we were 11. During that time, of course there have been times and years when we weren't as close as children, jobs etc can take over, BUT, there's never been a break in the friendship. She's been married twice, I was bridesmaid to first wedding (her second wedding just contained their daughters). She was bridesmaid at my first wedding (second wedding, I had none). I'm god mother to her children and her to my one. We have gone through soooooooo much together and literally know everything about each other, we talk everyday on message and see each other at least twice a month. I have included her in my world of friends and this is where she met my other best friend (of 15 years). Two years ago she divorced second Husband and immediately got with a mutual friend of mine and OBF (other best friend). So she only knows her fiancé and my OBF through me, absolutely no problem at all.

During the last 3 years, my life has been devastating, I literally nearly died of Bowel cancer, have done 8 months of chemo, I've had a colostomy bag, I've had 3 major ops and 12 not so major, and because of a rare complication, I, until recently, have been in agonising daily pain. I've also nearly died twice since then. So putting it mildly I've had a tough time, but my outlook has always been extremely positive and upbeat. I say all this , not for sympathy, but because despite going through all this, this situation has devastated and affected me more than the above!

Fast forward, she's now getting married again. Sooooo pleased for my bestie and her fiancé (whom I've known for 15 years). They are also spending weekends, nights out and holidays with OBF ( with no invite for us, despite being free and able to get babysitter, hurtful but have let it go).

I then get told, on a drunken girls night out after 2 wines to "not be upset", but she's asked my OBF to be her maid of honour when she gets married. I was absolutely devastated and felt suckerpunched 😪😪 she then proceeded to say "it just feels like the right thing to do as her husband is the best man, plus they are coming out for the 2 week holiday. You have a little girl to concentrate on and the hotel is adults only, and you need to concentrate on your health. I feel bad because I know what you've gone through but it just makes sense to have OBF". Aaarrrrrrgggghhhhh😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

I was so gobsmacked, as she brought my daughter into it (when I had already told her we'd attend her wedding abroad for a week (not 2)), and patronising me about my health when I'm currently in a good place. To top it all, all our girlfriends knew before me 😰 I told her it was up to her and left it.

Since then I've said nothing to her about her decision, as it is her decision after all. I've been to her engagement party, been on a few nights out and tried to keep our friendship and relationship on the same basis, but the truth is I just can't. I'm absolutely devastated, hurt, humiliatated and feel betrayed 😪😪

Everyone that's found out has been literally open mouthed and dumbstruck because we are literally like sisters, which does validate my feelings. Humiliating 😫

It's now at the point where I'm answering her texts in one word answers, I'm stony and moody if I've seen her and I've been in too raw an emotional state to talk to her about it. She is emotional dramatic and never wants to take critiscm or responsibility for doing anything wrong, which makes it difficult to have a frank and open conversation. She absolutely knows something's wrong, and unless she's living in a cave she knows exactly what's wrong but refuses to ask me if it's her and what's happened.

I asked to meet her last week, but apparently she was 'busy', even after I told her I was in a deep depression 😒. She's chasing me with messages, photos, positive messages, but I can't even reply to most of them because I don't see why she should have the 9/10 I've been giving for 35 years, when she's hurt me so badly. To make things worse, the friendship she has with my OBF is so superficial, it's bordering on offensive to what's happened.

I'm now meeting her tomorrow night and although I know what I want to say, I'd love some advice. Thanks for listening x

OP posts:
Parker231 · 31/01/2017 12:28

Sorry but you are sounding like a teenager - she can decide who is wants as bridesmaids. It isn't anything to do with you.

inlectorecumbit · 31/01/2017 13:13

Just ask her to consider you for the role of MoH at wedding number 4 Grin

iloveberries · 31/01/2017 13:36

Why are people being so bitchy about the fact she's getting married for the 3rd time?

iloveberries · 31/01/2017 13:37

My first husband was violent
If my second left me for someone else maybe I'd get married a 3rd time. Would everyone make bitchy oh-so-superior comments about me?

BaronessEllaSaturday · 31/01/2017 13:45

It does sound a bit like a case of being Wendied.................

Doesn't come across that way to me, more someone who doesn't perhaps have a full grasp of reality and is maybe a bit of a fantasist.

dibly · 31/01/2017 14:11

I don't blame you for being upset, not so much for not being MOH but in how it was handled. Im sure if she'd taken you the time to explain this properly, explaining her rationale, then the last few months would have felt very different.

As it is she dropped a clanger on you, and then minimised it, leaving you feeling like you'd be unreasonable to raise how you feel. Add to that the rubbish time you've had in the last few years, then who wouldn't feel a teeny tiny bit hurt?

AhNowTed · 31/01/2017 19:41

I would be gutted, let down and humiliated too OP.

Your disappointment is totally valid.

phoe6e · 31/01/2017 20:19

She's known her 2 years?!
I would be gutted too esp as theyre friends through you.
However i can understand why she'd want a different line up. If it were me id have no moh or bridesmaid rather than someone id known such a short time .
Maybe she really sees this new foursome panning out permanently? Given her track record though I wouldn't worry, when they split up she'll come running back to you 🙄

Ohyesiam · 31/01/2017 20:37

24 years ago I did a course, and on it I met a wonderful friend. We spent years living in each others pockets, being so close, I felt she knew everything about me. She began to change, her confidence grew, and I felt her moving away from me.....
Today I was working in the field that I learned about on the course, so she popped into my mind often. She hasn't been my friend for many years, her choice ( got into drugs and clubbing just as I grew out of !) . BUT, I still really love her. And I just have to sit with that. I would LOVE to have that friendship back, but it's not gonna happen. Sometimes that's just the way life is. She doesn't owe me friendship.

ArriettyClock1 · 31/01/2017 20:43

It's her third wedding!

Even having a maid of honour at marriage number 3 and when she's middle aged seems vaguely daft to me. Surely it's all a bit diluted by now?

Just enjoy the holiday and celebration.

phoe6e · 01/02/2017 09:41

What happened last night op?

Nixnoks · 01/02/2017 16:31

Hiya, so I thought I'd update those interested what happened last night. After the general chit chat, she said she knew why I wanted to meet, and then (no exaggerations), she started shouting at me in the restaurant, attempted to cancel her meal, telling me how upset she is with me for so many reasons! Omg, these went back over many years but it was mainly about how she felt left behind when she was a younger mum bringing up her kids, when I was working, travelling etc. How (despite all my illness and operations, pain etc over the last 3 years), I sometimes don't call her back, or invite her out. How her husbands have cheated on her, mine hasn't, it went on....etc

It was a scene to rival a reality show, I kid you not. I tried to calm her down saying I hadn't come for an argument but she kept saying she didn't need to be had a go at. Remember at this point I've literally not raised a single issue. I finally got a word in, and told her I was going to apologise for pretty much ignoring her, but I felt (rightly or wrongly), very hurt for a couple of reasons and as my best friend, wanted to talk it through with her.

She calmed down and after I explained that after telling me I would be moh, she then chose my OBF, which I respected, but it was how she told me and her behaviour towards me. She cried and then massively apologised, telling me she knew it was wrong, she knew it at the time but didn't want anyone else to tell me. She got caught up in the moment and asked OBF and in her own words "I've realised I've made the biggest mistake but I can't go back on it now, and if were the other way round I'd be furious too".

That's the crux of it, I won't go into anymore, too exhausting. I told her I'm not going to lose a long term friendship over it, but I'm going to reassess and reset my feelings over our friendship, as I agree after listening to her and finding all sorts of jealousies and resentments coming out, it is still shocking to hear it all 😕

She has this morning offered for me to be a bridesmaid if I can make it out to her wedding next year. I'll be honest I'm so emotionally exhausted and feel this is an olive branch after what's happened. After the revelations, I'm not feeling it. I think time and a bit of distance will be a great healer, hoping so.

Thanks for all your thoughts and opinions, I really did appreciate every one of them 👍

OP posts:
HelenDenver · 01/02/2017 16:34

Gosh!

Take a few days to let the dust settle, is my only advice at this point!

iloveberries · 01/02/2017 16:35

You got what you wanted and now you're "over it"

You sure are an immature 46 year old.
Your friend doesn't sound much better but you started this shitshow with all your drama.

MerryMarigold · 01/02/2017 16:41

Wow, why did you put up with the yelling?

Floralnomad · 01/02/2017 16:41

Well there you go you are both a pair of drama llamas so it's no wonder you get along so well .

livefornaps · 01/02/2017 16:52

Minimize the drama. It will feel so much better in the long run. Do not ever let her see you upset over this!!! Seriously. If you meet up and pour your heart out you will just feel worse and, weirdly, I imagine she would get a kick out of the drama herself. I get this impression after her warning "don't be upset" followed by her feeble excuses. She's trying to put you in the role of victim - do not be that victim!!! Don't do it. It will only cue up lots of "concerned chats" between her and "obf" - er, basically ample opportunity for them to make themselves feel better about their own lives.

Meet, smile, ask her how the wedding plans are going then talk about something else. If she presses you, brush it off. Just say, "well it's your decision and that's fine" then order another cocktail and reminisce about good times or some such. Talk about the lewd Valentine"s cards they had in paper chase or something. Have a laugh and promise you you will actually enjoy yourself.

Because then! She'll report back to OBF/other friends (super dodgy they knew first and not you which makes me think she's going sniffing for drama under the guise of "dilemma"; believe me I know all the tricks). If you go and cry and tell her about the rough time you've had (she knows about the rough time you had and it's not been a factor in her decision making, clearly), she'll "console" you (but not offer to change her decision) and then go rushing back to all the pals to tell them how "concerned" she is at upsetting you. Yeah, right. They all have a great time talking about how hard you must have it, while secretly feeling great about themselves.

Or! You refuse to engage in this. You have fun. Ultimately, you're the better and stronger person. And you know what? You command respect. There's nothing to report back to the friends.

Then go on holiday and enjoy the fact you don't have to do any of the running around after your friend on maid of honour duties (and don't you dare offer!) put your feet up and relax.

Seriously do not get sucked into this. If she were a better person, she would have course asked you. Don't fan her drama by having a heart to heart. It's not worth it and in the long run it may do your friendship good.

livefornaps · 01/02/2017 16:54

Okay ignore all of that, you posted while I was typing! Wow. Sounded like quite the show.

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 01/02/2017 16:54

How very dramatic. Soundso like a reality TV show Shock

OurBlanche · 01/02/2017 16:58

Ye Gods!

Chathamhouserules · 01/02/2017 17:04

Fucking hell. Makes me glad I'm a 40 something without a best friend.. sounds like you are both hard work. Are you happy now that you are a bridesmaid? Has she given you any special jobs?
Seriously though you're a bit old for all this aren't you? She didn't handle things well, but who really cares that much about being moh at a third wedding at your age?
She's still your friend, you're both flawed (as we all our). Just get on with your friendship and be happy that she's found happiness again.

Chathamhouserules · 01/02/2017 17:04

As we all are not our

loveyoutothemoon · 01/02/2017 17:11

I wouldn't accept the bridesmaid offer as it's an after thought.

Surreyblah · 01/02/2017 17:15
Shock
AhNowTed · 01/02/2017 17:22

OP you're perfectly entitled to be hurt, regardless of your age.

You have some closure now so you can just let her do what she wants, and keep you dignity and your head high.